2 MISC. PUBLICATIOX 3 9, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



Timber production and watershed protection are of first im- 

 portance in the achninistration of the forest, but management of 

 grazing hinds and the development of the recreational resources are 

 also important. Recreational uses are free, except where permits for 

 summer homes or lodges are desired. A charge is made for permits 

 for summer homes and other special uses, for grazing privileges, and 

 for timber. 



Of the annual income derived from the forest 35 per cent is spent 

 locally — 25 per cent through a cash fund returned to the counties 

 within the forest for roads and schools, and 10 per cent through the 

 development by the Forest Service of roads and trails within the 

 forest. In addition, community development is furthered by the 



F-176358 



Fig. 2. — At the crest of the Continental Divide, Wolf Creek Pass Highwny 



large amounts spent from the regular Federal forest road appropri- 

 ation for the building of roads within and adjacent to the forest for 

 rhe purpose of making the natural resources more accessible and 

 improving the means of forest protection. 



THE TIMBER CROP 



The Rio Grande National Forest may be regarded as a large 

 diversified farm, the main products of which are timber and forage 

 crops. 



The annual crop of timber is represented by the total annual growth 

 of all the trees, or growing stock. In any one year the crop is taken 

 from only a part of the forest. Each part of the forest is cut over 

 in turn and is then left to accumulate a new crop. Operations are 

 confined to the cutting of ripe or mature trees, and the weeding out of 



